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Our group studies the cellular processes that generate genome diversity and drive evolution. In recent years, we have focused on developing new methods for the quantitative study of DNA mutations. We have provided the ability to study mutations at the single-cell level in real time in Escherichia coli (Robert et al, Science, 2018; Ollion et al, Nature Protocols, 2019 ; Robert et al, Nature Protocols, 2019), This has allowed to reveal the cell-to-cell variation in mutagenesis that correlates with the cell cycle stage and the heterogeneity in expression of various DNA damage responses (Robert et al, Science, 2018; Uphoff, PNAS, 2018; Vincent et al, NAR 2021; Lagage et al., EMBO Reports, 2022).

We are now turning our attention to the study of reciprocal phage-bacteria modulation of mutation rate. Why do DNA phages, even those that use the replication machinery of their hosts, have a mutation rate about two orders of magnitude higher than their hosts? Can we modulate the mutation rate of phages? Can we slow down the diversification and evolution of phages? What is the impact of infection on the host mutation rate?  To study these questions, we use E. coli and several of its bacteriophages such as lambda, T4, and M13, as model systems. We address these questions using a variety of methodologies: in addition to video microscopy and the microfluidic based mutation visualization experiment originally developed in the team, we use molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, and genome-wide approaches such as duplex sequencing.

To pursue these studies, we are looking for candidates with a background in either molecular biology, genetics, or biophysics. Previous experience in molecular cloning, fluorescent microscopy, microfluidics, phage biology, or bioinformatics will be appreciated. Different projects can be conceived with the candidate according to his/her experience and interests. We offer a 12-month contract, renewable, with a salary defined by INRAE rules. The position is open immediately but the start date is flexible. Applicants should send a CV, a description of their research interests, and contact information for at least two references to Marianne De Paepe (marianne.depaepe@inrae.fr) and Marina Elez (marina.elez@inrae.fr).

Relevant publications :

1. Robert L, Ollion J, Robert J, Song X, Matic I, Elez M. Mutation dynamics and fitness effects followed in single cells. Science. 2018. 

2. Robert L, Ollion J, Elez M. Real-time visualization of mutations and their fitness effects in single bacteria. Nature Protocols. 2019.

3. Ollion J, Elez M, Robert L. High-throughput detection and tracking of cells and intracellular spots in mother machine experiments. Nature Protocols. 2019. 

4. M. Pereira-Gomez, R. Sanjuan, Effect of mismatch repair on the mutation rate of bacteriophage varphiX174. Virus Evol 1, vev010 (2015).

5. R. Sanjuan, M. R. Nebot, N. Chirico, L. M. Mansky, R. Belshaw, Viral mutation rates. J Virol 84, 9733-9748 (2010).